WORDS BY DAISY SCOTT
Regional fashion designers should be celebrated — from the modern-day royalty aesthetic of SHATHA ESSA to the audacious accessories from Vanina.
To celebrate regional designers, we’ve collated a list of some of our best-loved designers, plus a standout piece from their latest collections. Of course, each of these regional brands are available on FARFETCH.
SHATHA ESSA
SHATHA ESSA makes us feel like royalty every day with her effortless fusion of couture details and modern-day wear. In our opinion, no one evokes elegant sensibility more effectively than Shatha. The Dubai-based designer has been creating trans-seasonal collections over at her namesake label since 2016.
The new-season piece we’ve added to our wishlist is the cotton crystal-embellished shirt dress that works in the current collar trend. The combination of the dresses’ minimal color palette, bishop sleeve detailing and crystal oversized collar creates a look that’s both nonchalant and obtrusive.
Semsem
Clean lines and a considered aesthetic can take your closet to the next level. We believe that Semsem can bring functionality and quality to your new-season outfits. Founder and Creative Director Aber Al Otaiba reflects on her working experiences and injects a personal touch into each of her collections.
Something that we adore about each collection? Not only is each piece handmade, but there’s a symbolic nod to her hometown of Alexandria with two woven Egyptian symbols — a triangle and Lotus Flower.
The latest Semsem collection encapsulates the brand's aesthetic — a statement on female strength, illustrated through engineered lines and geometry.
Baruni
Dubai-based designer Fadwa Baruni has firmly established her namesake brand across womenswear. Known for her sleek sophisticated tailoring and strong ethos for female empowerment, Baruni fuses the regional and international inspirations with vivid hues and opulent fabrics.
One of our favourite Baruni pieces to date is the peach-pink single-breasted belted blazer with matching wide-leg pants. The blazer’s peak lapels and two front patch pockets give the piece a nostalgic ‘70s feel while remaining equally modern and empowering.
Taller Marmo
Here to solidify the effortless glamour of the mid-century, Taller Marmo is the nostalgic brand for you. With opulent fabrics that have been crafted to create eveningwear that you can never forget. Her results are impressive, from bold separates and elegant silk kaftans.
A piece that we can’t get enough of is the El Sol kimono-sleeve dress, the emerald-green dress comes with a gold O-ring belt that defines the silhouette. Its band collar and long wide sleeves encapsulate the free spirit that the brand has taken on.
Vanina
Of course, you want to make sure your outfit is complete. We don’t think there’s anywhere better to find the perfect accessory than Vanina. Exploring the synergy between fashion and sustainability through timeless design concepts, each bag celebrates the playful energy and personality.
Our new favourite piece from Vanina is the Le Coeur De Palmier clutch bag, constructed from straw and wooden beads, this bag is not only sustainable but ready to be taken into season upon season. Plus, it would be ideal for summer picnics.